Ontario Safety Registration questions

[Shepherd]

Took my bike in for safety inspection, came back with a few things that were easy fixes. One that isn't was "the turn signals have to stay on without holding down the buttons"....I have Harley controls wired into a Honda harness, so there is no module or anything that holds the circuit closed...

Is this actually a requirement, or is the guy shitting me? I'd prefer to avoid ordering a hundred dollar slef-cancelling module.....

 

[cqyqte]

He's right the signals must be enabled and either shut off by the operator or cancelled by a timed or mechanical device. There is a way around it with your current set up but pricey. Go here https://signaldynamics.com/index.php/products/led-lighting?page=shop.browse&category_id=43 they sell modules to convert common momentary control switches into timed delay switches for turn signal use. They also manufacture more complex controllers that will allow you to run single filament bulbs as run/turn/stop lights, but as I said they fix is pricey.

 

[cqyqte]

Anytime I do a build I use them, they allow you far more latitude on the type of signals (LED, Incandecent or both) without the need for load resistors. As well you can get away from a standard 3 light turn/brake light set up. 8)

 

[cqyqte]

There is one other way around your issue and that is by integrating latching relays, one for the rightside and one for the leftside.

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Overview/Catalog/Relays_-z-_Timers/Electro-Mechanical_Relays/Latching_Relays,_Octal,_16A_(755_Series) The only draw back is that you will be able to activate both sides at once, and if the guy checks to see if the right or left doesn't cancel out the other when activated you will be screwed as well.

 

[Shepherd]

Thanks, appreciate your input...but since posting this, I've been reading the Hwy Traffic Act, and cannot find any such verbiage that states that the switches can't be simple "hold em down" buttons...(nor that the left has to interrupt the right)...

In fact, many older harleys eg late 80s have the same controls....mine were in fact bought new as pre-2003 aftermarket controls only a couple of years ago.


Another question: are mufflers a requirement? I chopped the stock pipes, but if you can buy aftermarket pipes with no mufflers....assuming the answer is indeed yes, anyone got a link to some easy to fab temp mufflers I can throuw together?

 

[firebane]

Get a hold of the inspection handbook for Ontario and it will tell you what is required. In Alberta things like no muffler will fail you.

 

[Shepherd]

I have it...the question is the interpretation of the text...for example, the only mention of a muffler is:

(12) The exhaust pipe, muffler and tail pipe shall be complete and securely mounted.

Taken one way, it implies that an exhaust system without a muffler is not considered complete, and yet bikes with aftermarket straight pipes get safetied no problem....?

With regard to the blinkers, all it says is this:

(e) the turn signal lamps and the flasher unit shall operate properly;

There is no definition of "properly" meaning that you can't hold the button down to make em work...

Not trying to argue with anyone on here, just not entirely convinced that the dealership isn't being overly anal...I know in the end they can say no, and if I want their sign off, just fix it (they also say idiot lights for neutral and high beam are required; again, no such language in the regs)...

 

[firebane]

I have it...the question is the interpretation of the text...for example, the only mention of a muffler is:

(12) The exhaust pipe, muffler and tail pipe shall be complete and securely mounted.

Taken one way, it implies that an exhaust system without a muffler is not considered complete, and yet bikes with aftermarket straight pipes get safetied no problem....?

With regard to the blinkers, all it says is this:

(e) the turn signal lamps and the flasher unit shall operate properly;

There is no definition of "properly" meaning that you can't hold the button down to make em work...

Not trying to argue with anyone on here, just not entirely convinced that the dealership isn't being overly anal...I know in the end they can say no, and if I want their sign off, just fix it (they also say idiot lights for neutral and high beam are required; again, no such language in the regs)...

First off dealerships are not where you want to go. Being that you most likely have a custom bike or customized to some degree find a smaller shop that deals with customized bikes to do the inspection.

The key word in the word "muffler" is "muffle". If you are running a straight pipe then its not a muffler. And how do these other guys pass? They swap parts then pass the inspection then put back on the things they want.

 

[Tim]

Find a smaller shop to safety your bike. But some smaller shops are very thorough as well, and it's ultimately for your benefit.

Bottom line is I don't think any vehicle has ever had turn signals that required the user to hold the switch down to operate them.

Wire up a temporary cheap turn signal switch on the bars and get the bike safetied. You only have to do this once. Then discard the temporary switch and make it work the way you like.

 

[cqyqte]

Thanks, appreciate your input...but since posting this, I've been reading the Hwy Traffic Act, and cannot find any such verbiage that states that the switches can't be simple "hold em down" buttons...(nor that the left has to interrupt the right)...

In fact, many older harleys eg late 80s have the same controls....mine were in fact bought new as pre-2003 aftermarket controls only a couple of years ago.


Another question: are mufflers a requirement? I chopped the stock pipes, but if you can buy aftermarket pipes with no mufflers....assuming the answer is indeed yes, anyone got a link to some easy to fab temp mufflers I can throuw together?

The requirements for vehicle safety and functionality are spread out across many documents, not in just one piece of legislation. You will find some more details in the Vehicle Safety Act as well. I agree with Tim a dealer is not the place to go for a certification. They are bound by law to ensure that the bike as stated (brand/model/year) meets the functionality that the manufacturer provided at the time it was produced. They will be much more detail oriented and picky than a local garage mechanic that is not as knowledgeable. Its the same as being stopped by the police as compared to being stopped by the MTO police. The MTO are extremely knowledgeable about the laws and legislation such as the Highway Traffic and Motor Vehicle Acts. Get stopped by the MTO and you will be walking home if your bike is fitted with after-market signals or brake lights that are not D.O.T. marked and approved or running without a front brake, or no kill switch, or fenders that don't cover the appropriate percentage of the wheels, or handlebars that exceed the seat to bar height maximum.

As for mufflers, if you live in Caledon good luck that city has cracked down on excessive noise and trying to get a bike certified there will force you to meet dB ratings. You can wait for some to come by and support your views regarding your signal or muffler set up or just fix them as suggested by the dealer and get on with it. Older Harleys used a latching relay with the momentary signal switches....

 

[Shepherd]

Thanks ,all. As I said, wasn't looking to argue, just trying to reconcile different sources of info.